IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY SISTER

August 28th marks the two year anniversary  of losing my sister.  She's been on my mind all month.  I still think of the birthdays I celebrated at Lawrence Welk with her.   I still miss them.  I still  visit different places and think "she should be here with us.". Has it gotten easier?  No.  Is it a little more bearable?  Yes.  I have come to terms with the fact that my life will never be the same; there will always be an empty spot.  I miss being able to tell her what is going on in my life.  I'm retiring in two weeks; it was going to allow us to spend more time with each other....now she is not here.  I think of her all the time.  I miss her all the time.  I always will.  She was instrumental in my life...she mentored me, she supported me, she encouraged me, she took care of me, and, most importantly, she just loved me for me, unconditionally.  Who could ask for more?  I am so thankful for having her, but, as I've said before, it wasn't long enough.  She left behind two wonderful kids, and five grandkids, one she never met.  I love them with all my heart; they are a part of my sister.  I know she would be so proud of "her" family. They are awesome. So, Sis, here are a few highlights of the past year, and the things I've missed talking about with you:

You have another grandson, Luke, he is too cute.

We spent Thanksgiving with Bobby and Megan, and Megan set a beautiful table and prepared a delicious dinner.

We lost our cousin, Jenny, to cancer.  She is with you now.

I talk to Janet all the time.  That probably would never have happened without you.  We prop each other up now and then, and she keeps me posted on the rest of the family.  You and her always were better at keeping up with everyone.

I spent eight days with Tricia, and we both kept saying how neat it would have been if you had been there with us.  I guess that's why you should live life everyday and stop procrastinating!

Ryan is getting so big, he started first grade, and, much to your horror, he loves his school charge card, where he can charge his lunch.  He caught on how as to use it very quickly, and it has caused some problems for him.  He remembers you the most, I think.  I always felt that you and he had a special bond.

Noah, our terminator, is now in preschool, and loving it.  I think he got in trouble his first day of Tiny Tots for talking too much.  P. S. I think Megan is loving both the kids being in school, and it gives her special time with Luke.  They visited us this year and it was so much fun.

Megan and Tim and Bobby and Rachel are awesome parents.  You would be proud.

Bobby is still performing, and loving it.  He has had some traffic problems this year!  He and Rachel are working hard on planting their church.  They are a true asset to their community.

Caleb is starting kindergarten this year, where did the time go?

Micah is looking more like Bobby everyday.  I wish I got to see more of Caleb and Micah.

They hosted a foreign exchange student this year, like mother, like son.

Travis is doing great in Chiropractic school.  I am so proud of him.  I know it is a struggle and hard on the whole family.  Sometimes I worry about them; those conversations I was able to have with you when I was worried are probably the ones I miss the most.

Zach and Zoey are getting so big, and I cherish every minute I get to spend with them.  I still go there twice a year.  Trav and Traci are trying to decide where to settle when he finishes school.  I hope they stay on the Southwest route, whatever they do!!!

I just celebrated my 60th birthday, and you were constantly on my mind because we never got to celebrate yours.  Not to worry, I think I had three different celebrations, so I shall dedicate one to you!!!

Like I said, I am retiring this year, which makes losing you so much harder.

JR picked up another day of golf because I am retiring…….works for me!

JR and I plan on going to Turks and Caicos next year, as well as New York.

I just had my week in Phoenix with Cindy.  Remember, you were supposed to go with us in 2010?  We had lots of laughs, as usual.

So much happens within a year, much of which I can't remember.  As you can see, we are all doing fine; but I still miss you every day and always will.

With love always,
Your sis

ONE YEAR

It's been a hard week, knowing that I would be facing the one year anniversary of my sister's death on the 28th. Even though I have tried not to dwell on it, my innermost thoughts must not be cooperating. I have dreamed about her for the last three nights, which I actually like; however, I can hardly wait for the dreams to come where she is not sick. Anyway, to get to the point I decided to read my blog, which I haven't done in a while. All I can say is, what a God send these blogs are, they brought back some very good memories, I had forgotten about. They are like keeping a journal for those of us who are too lazy to take pen to paper. Wow, all the fun things we did together just never seem to pop into my mind as often as the last year of her life. I know that eventually the good times will come more than the bad, but right now that is not the case. I miss my sister's companionship, I am so lonesome without her. I know I have other people in my life that love me, but it is not the same relationship. Sometimes I wonder if my sister misses me, there are so many unanswered questions about life after death, depending on who you talk to and their beliefs. The other morning as I was drying my hair I was thinking about what it would be like to meet Donna up in heaven (yes, I believe there is some place we will see each other again) and it brought tears to my eyes to think about throwing myself into her arms, with my parents standing behind her with big smiles on their faces as they witnessed how much we loved each other. This morning I woke up crying, thinking about the last days of her life, laying in bed with her, holding her, and telling her much I loved her and what a good sister she had been to me. I will never get over the loss of my sister, but I hope in time I will start remembering all our good times and they will bring a smile to my face instead of tears to my eyes. I hope my sister is in heaven having the time of her life, but I hope she misses me too! I love you Donna, forever and ever.

MY SISTER

TO MY SISTER

Donna,

You left us four months ago, and it still hurts so bad. I think of you day and night. Today is Christmas Eve, and my heart is heavy. I know you want us all to be happy, and we all trying really hard, but there are times that hurt, and this is one of them for me.

I sit in front of the computer going through all my pictures and looking at all the fun times we had together; our Mexican cruise, our trip to Costa Rica, our MANY trips to Las Vegas, and all our trips to each other's house.

I constantly hear you in my head, and still carry on conversations with you.

I can hear you saying:

The more the merrier! Megan is carrying on that tradition!

Don't sweat the small stuff. I'm still not so good at that.

Family is the most important. We all learned that one well.

I remember the past year so vividly once we learned of your cancer. I try to remember what you said to me more than once "I'm at peace with whatever happens." Everything happened so fast after that; I still can't believe it. I am so grateful that we got to tell each other how much we loved each other. I know we aggravated each other to death, but I also know that, as we told each other often, how much we truly loved and meant to each other. I am so grateful to have had you in my life for 58 years, but, selfishly, I think that is not enough. You had turned into my best friend over the past several years. Losing you has left an empty spot in my heart that I can't seem to fill.

I remember when I would be bummed about something and you would be worried about me and I would tell you not to worry and you would say: "I have to, I'm your big sister, I have to take care of you." Boy, I wish you were here taking care of me now!

It's funny, I remember wishing I could be as strong as you. You went through a lot in your life, and always carried on. I remember Nicki singing the song Hero at Vic's funeral, yet every time I hear it, it brings tears to my eyes, because I always thought the words were more about you. You always had the strength to carry on.

I pray for that strength now. Some days are so much harder than others for some reason.

I'm sure you know you raised two awesome kids. We are so taking care of each other right now. It is so funny, they make sure to call me on certain days (like your birthday) to make sure I am doing ok. All they are going through, and they have time to worry about me. I am trying so hard to be there for them. I know I can never take your place, but I am as close as they will get to that. I remember you lying in the hospital bed telling me that you what you were concerned about if you died was leaving the kids and grandkids; you weren't worried about yourself. And, then you tell the kids that you are worried about how I will take it if something happened to you. You made sure that we would all take care of each other, and we have.

You taught the kids traditions that are still being carried on today……the trip to Disneyland every Christmas and Christmas morning breakfast.

I know how disappointed you are that you do not get to see your grandkids grow up. You were one of the proudest grandmas I have ever seen. I can remember you telling me that even if you didn't feel 100% you couldn't tell Megan because then she wouldn't bring the kids over for you to babysit. And, boy, did you have a knack with those kids. You made it look as easy as pie. The minute Megan walked out the door, out came all the kids' favorite foods!

I wish you a Merry Christmas, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you were to me throughout my life. You were the best sister, and I will love you forever.

Your Sister, Linda

WOW, WHAT HAPPENED TO 2009?

OK, I know blogs are boring without pics, but I am too lazy to download them so you'll have to bear with me. It seems I left off in June.....where did the time go? July we met Taylor in Las Vegas and had a blast, she is so much fun, we swam, did the strip and shopped. August we went to Kansas to help Trav and the family while he had surgery. Thankfully, all went well. We missed our annual pilgrimage to Lawrence Welk, hopefully, this year! My girlfriend and I made our annual trip to Phoenix to shop until we dropped. I always have so much fun on this trip and hope they will continue. October, JJ, JR, and I flew to Kansas and the boys (JJ, JR, Trav, and Zach) took in a Chargers/Chiefs game. It was Zach's first pro game and he was beyond ecstatic. November....went through surgery with my sister and will continue to see her through her journey. December, back to San Diego for Christmas with the families. It was fun, but tiring. New Years Eve celebrated my Mom's bday for her; however, brought the New Year in more quietly and earlier than she used to. What can I say, I can't hang! New Years Day JR made menudo and Sig, Tammy, Maya, and George came over. Wish I could have kidnapped my sister, that was my plan earlier in the year. We managed to go through 2-1/4 magnums of champagne, 1/2 a bottle, more or less, of tequila, and a few martinis. Needless to say, my head hurt today, but I had a nice, quiet, uneventful day today, which I love!!! All in all, 2009 has had its share of ups and downs, but I have learned that my family is awesome. I have learned so much about my family that I didn't know, so with the bad, comes the good. We begin this year propping each other up, but it feels good. Please appreciate your friends and families as you start 2010, I don't know what I would do without mine. For now I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

BUSY WEEKEND!

It was a busy weekend...we went to Green Valley Ranch (GVR) Resort for some R&R.

Friday night we went to our favorite spot in Vegas, Town Square, wherein lies the Blue Martini (and Sephora), the two happiest places on earth (sorry Mickey). Happy hour for martinis AND food! Yes, pure paradise, what more could you want??? My smores martini speaks for itself, and, yes, it was as good as it looks! (oops, I started drinking it before I decided to take a pic, so it's a little messed up)

Saturday I laid around the pool from eight to noon, then hit happy hour at Hanks at GVR. Yep, you guessed it 1/2 price martinis. Well, we only had two each, but decided neither one of us was capable of keeping track of my NEW Sony Cybershot at the luau we were invited to, so no pics of that. They were drawing five names for a trip to Hawaii, which JR "had a premonition" he was going to win. NOT!

Then Sunday we left early to meet Tammy and Sig at Granny's for a birthday brunch for Sig. It was delicious.

Until next time,

Ciao, Baby!

WAY TOO LONG

OK, I know it's been way too long since I blogged, but you bloggers know how it goes. I really don't even have time to blog now, since I am suppose to be treadmilling. However, I stopped just for a minute to surf my favorite blogs and facebook and got caught up in the moment. My life is pretty much the same, just some short trips here and there, which brings me to why I am blogging. I just remembered a picture I wanted to post on my site from my recent trip to Vegas with John and Donna.  The Blue Martini is one of our favorite happy hours, and the picture below will tell you why!

I mean, doesn't that say it all!

Then, of course, I had to concentrate on the real reason I went, which was to play in a slot tournament. Yep, you guessed it, I lost! But look how hard I'm trying.

Ah, but it was not a complete lost because they feed us breakfast both days and had a very nice dinner for us the last night. 

The dessert was awesome!

Until later,

Ciao, Baby!

I'M GLAD FEBRUARY IS OVER!

Yes, it has been a hard month. Trav, Traci, Zach, and Zoey moved to Kansas. It was kind of stressful, not only because they were leaving, but other issues came up as well. All in all, everything worked out fine....except they are gone. They seem to be enjoying themselves and Zach got to ice skate for the first time today. Check our their blog at www.ttzearly.blogspot.com. After their move, we flew to San Diego for Nino's 90th birthday. We got there Friday afternoon and by Friday night I had a mean case of the flu. By Saturday, JR had it. Poor sis, stuck with two sickkies. Well, we managed to catch our flight back Monday, but were in bed ALL weekend. I finally felt good Tuesday when I went back to work. Well, Wednesday was a different story....not feeling so great, not sure why. My right arm was very sensitive and I thought to myself, good thing it's not my left arm, I'd be worried. Anyway, long story short, I end up with shingles! Not fun, but starting to get better. So far, only got one bad cluster that blistered, two other clusters, but so far no blistering, so I'm assuming the med is working. Only problem, I can't remember if I took it this afternoon or not. Anyway, that is why I am more than ready for February to be over.

Until later,

Ciao Baby

FACEBOOK FINISHES FIRST

Yep, it seems like Facebook is taking over. I guess it is much easier to just type a short sentence rather than a looooong paragraph. Even posting a whole photo album is easier, so that is probably where you will find my pics.  OK, let's see, Christmas was nice. Went to Trav and Traci's at 7:00 Xmas morning and watched the kids open presents. Got home around eleven and put on our jammies and watched movies. Had the most delicious crab legs and filet mignon dinner. New Years.......JR made menudo and the kids, Tammy and Sig, and a friend from work and her husband came over on New Years Day and joined us for some munchies, menudo and tamales. We had a very nice New Years. Trav and Traci might be heading off to Kansas. I am happy for them if that is what they want, but I am going to miss them immensely. Having been able to have Zach and Zoey here for the past 7 years has spoiled me. We love being grandparents, and to actually be close by is even better. Unfortunately, Taylor, our granddaughter, was never in the same area as us, so we saw her only five or six times a year. Being able to see Zach and Zoey much more often has been awesome. Having family here to celebrate holidays with has been very nice. Now we will be losing all of that. Why does the United States have to be so big? Anyway, if this is what will make them happy, then we will be happy for them. We will visit as often as possible, and thank goodness for iChat and Skype. I guess we are at least more fortunate than people used to be years ago, we can at least see people online. Anyway, Traci is interviewing for a job in Kansas and will know definitely sometime next week, or, maybe, even by the end of this week. Travis hopes to go to Chiropractic school there as well, and I hope all his dreams come true. We are facing such hard economic times right now that it makes me nervous for them. I hope and pray that everything goes well for them, because, for those of you who are parents, you know that your happiness rides on your kids' happiness.  Well, that is kind of my life in a nutshell.  Look me up on facebook if you want daily happenings, and I will try to post on my blog more often.

Until later,

Ciao, Baby!

NUMERO UNO

Zoey celebrated her 1st birthday at her party on Sunday.  She absolutely loved the cupcakes!!!

Until later,

Ciao Baby!

A THANKFUL THANKSGIVING

We had a great Thanksgiving with Travis, Traci, Zach, Zoey, Sig, and Tammy. I am thankful for my family. The other half of my family spent their Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz with Bobby and Rachel, and they had a great Thanksgiving too. We all have so much to be thankful for. A few pics below.

50% of the cooking team!

Grandma, Zach, and Zoey

Zoey's first Thanksgiving!

The other 50% of the cooking team

Zoey just loved her Uncle Sig

We're ready to eat!

John, Sig, and Tammy

Until later,

Ciao, Baby!

THE LAST TWO WEEKS

OK, it's been a while, but the last two weeks have been busy and fun. Donna came to visit while JR went to Hawaii with JJ. We had a really nice time. We stayed down in Laughlin. She came in Friday afternoon, and we enjoyed a Lemon Drop before we met my Godmother at Harrah's for some drinks and conversation. Then, as you can see, Donna did a little gambling. Saturday we went to Zach's soccer game, then did a little shopping. We got Zoey a Christmas dress, and Aunt Donna spoiled Zach, buying him a game for his Wii, which he loves. After that we went over to Trav and Traci's for a visit and had a fun time playing Wii Fit. Well, it's not really a game, it's an exercise program, which I do not like, as it says my age is 65, and I know I'm much more fit than that! After that we went back to Laughlin and ended up in our room drinking Lemon Drops and having some good ole fun conversation. Sunday we got up early, since the time changed. We went to Harlow's for brunch (thanks, JR), and it was fabulous! I love that place, and the crab was especially exceptional, as well as the stuffed shrimp. That day Donna was a little burned out, she can't keep up with her 65 year old sister! Alas, it was Monday...I went to work, and Donna headed home, but all in all it was a fun girls time to remember.

At Harrahs enjoying our drinks!

Donna, she just can't stop gambling!

Zach...playing his new video game

Zoey, in her pretty Christmas dress!

This weekend (Sunday and Monday) we took Zach to Las Vegas to see the Thunderbirds fly in the air show. I haven't been to see an air show since I was about Zach's age, but it left a big impression and I have always wanted to do it again (cross one thing off my bucket list). It was totally awesome, and Zach really enjoyed himself. It is totally unbelievable the way they can synchronize their flying. There was so much to do and see. Then we headed to the hotel, where we relaxed with a martini, and then headed out to dinner. After dinner JR did some gambling while Zach and I lost our money at the arcade. We were all sound asleep by nine. Zach fell to sleep in the middle of eating his doritos! The next day we ran a few errands and then Zach got to play at the playground at Town Square until our movie started. We went to see Madagascar, which was really good, even JR liked it!  Then, unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and we had to head home. Zach was not a happy camper about that, which was ok because it just showed us what a good time he had. It was a totally awesome two days with Zach, and thanks Trav and Traci for letting us take him. I know it is hard for you, Traci. Now Zach is off to the Hemophilia convention in Colorado on Wednesday, and, hopefully, will get to see some snow!

Zach, when we first arrived

Zach in the plane the soldiers fly in and jump out of

Zach with one of the soldiers

Awesome!

Nosedive!

Four of the six Thunderbirds

I actually got all six, I'm awesome!

Zach with his F22, which he totally loved!

Grandpa and Zach after a looooong day!

Until later,

Ciao, Baby!

THANK YOU

Thank you to my wonderful family for all their supportive comments. They mean more to me than any of you know.  I'm sorry for such a depressing blog, but sometimes it feels good to just put pen to paper, so to speak. Things are getting back to normal. Sometimes I just dwell on things too much and they become bigger than they really are. I find that I probably need to change my actions so I don't expect more than I get, and that is something I will work on. Thank you all again for your love and support; it means the world to me. You're the BEST!

Until later,

Ciao Baby

BLOGGING ETIQUETTE

Is there blogging etiquette?  Are you allowed to blog when you are depressed, or only when you are happy?  That's the question for my fellow bloggers.  I am probably going to break blogging etiquette because I am depressed, hurt, sad, and unhappy. What got me into this state doesn't really matter. Let's just suffice it to say that it has been a hard week; with work and family.  The question is, how do you break out of this depression?  When I am depressed I really and truly don't want to talk to anyone or take any phone calls.  I literally force myself to do what I have to do. I'm a firm believer that depression runs in my family; whether that is true or not doesn't matter.  I feel fortunate and am thankful that I can pull out of my depression by myself, although it takes a few days.  Sometimes I wish that I could just run away and hide. So, for all you who get depressed, truly depressed, don't feel alone, we all go through it. I just thank God for friends and family that help to get me through it, even though they don't know it most of the time. And, for those of you whose phone calls I may have ignored, please bear with me, I have faith, and I know that things will get better.  Thanks for listening, and I apologize for such a depressing blog, but I truly feel that blogs should be honest, or else we are just kidding ourselves and other.   

Until later,

Ciao Baby! 

PHOENIX AND THE LASEFICHE SEMINAR

We had a blast at the laserfiche seminar. Cindy and I left on Tuesday. The seminar started Thursday evening, and ended Friday. Thankfully, they sped through it and we were done by about three on Friday. We shopped until we literally dropped. We left at 7:15 Tuesday morning, as JR had to drop me at Cindy's and he had to be at the golf course by 7:30, and believe me, nothing interferes with his golf. Cindy and I arrived in Phoenix about 10:30, picked up some beading thing she needed from someone she found online. JR made me promise to carry my pepper spray everywhere I went. I told Cindy since we didn't know these people she was getting her "tumbler" from, the plan would be for me to wait in the car (with my pepper spray handy) while she went into the house. Well, I waited, and waited, and waited.  Thought maybe I should call her on her cell, but saw it was still charging in the CAR! After thirty minutes she finally came out. The people were old and wanted to show her all their jewelry and even invited her to stay for coffee. She told them she had a friend waiting in the car (I think she had coffee with them). We usually have a special mission when we go to Phoenix, and this year it was to get Cindy a Wii, which you cannot get in our neck of the woods. Well, since we were somewhat lost trying to get to the mall, we decided to stop at the first Target we spotted to check out the Wiis. Well, first stop...successful. There were four Wiis just waiting to be bought. Cindy told me to stand guard over the Wiis while she went to find some help. I questioned why I needed to stay with the Wiis since there were four of them and no one else around. Well, I thought we were just going to buy a Wii, but after she got the Wii from behind locked doors, she went insane! She started grabbing every Wii thing imaginable, covers for the controllers, more controllers, battery chargers, etc. It was amazing....I could not believe it....  awe struck, that was me. Well we finally got out of Target after receiving directions to the mall. Cindy was so excited about her Wii she was beside herself (I learned more about Wii this week than I ever needed to know). We spent the remainder of the day at the mall. Found some great buys! Got to the hotel about 4:30 and checked in. Decided to go over to the bar for a drink and dinner. I ask for a Lemon Drop and Cindy asks for Chivas. The waitress comes back and asks if 12 year old Chivas will be ok.  Cindy says sure (she is not a drinker) and I'm thinking "how about 12 hours old." After we ate I told Cindy her drink was probably going to cost more than our dinner and she couldn't believe it.  Sure enough, when the bill comes, her drink is $18.00 (I later pointed out at Costco that she could have gotten a whole bottle). There goes our per diem! Just joking, this was our money that night!! I also pointed out that I could have had about three Lemon Drops! That night we go to the pool. I tell Cindy it is her turn to be in charge of the pepper spray (the thing is getting on my nerves, as it does NOT fit in my itty bitty purse). We grab the pepper spray and head down to the pool, which we find loaded with dead bugs (seems they are having a bug problem and the filters can't keep up).  We find a little spot with no bugs so we sit in the pool for a little bit. Decide to head back to our rooms and Cindy says "are we allowed to take the towels?" I say "who's going to stop us?" Get back to the room and want to get ice for the ice chest. Cindy is going to carry baggies to get ice in.  I say bring the whole ice chest (it has wheels) to the ice machine. Cindy says "can we get that much ice?" I say "I think the ice cops are off duty now." Man, talk about following rules! Wednesday we shopped from 9:00 in the morning until about 8:00 that night. We also bought more Wii stuff. We were exhausted. I'm still carting the pepper spray....only people we have wanted to spray are the drivers! We decided to try our clothes on Wednesday night and find that we need to go back to the mall Thursday and make some returns. Yes, we tried them on at the store, but, hey, what can I say....we're women, we change our minds. Thursday, back to the mall to do returns, but not to worry, we found a whole bunch of new stuff! Head back to the hotel about 3:00 and meet up with another girl from work at the Golden Spoon Yogurt Shop. Get back to the hotel and are too pooped to attend any seminar classes (which are really for IT administrators anyway). Went down to their welcoming party about five, then went over to the bar about seven. Thankfully, Cindy decided to join me in drinking Lemon Drops that night! We had a great time, and then went to gamble a little at the casino, with my pepper spray! Only thing to spray is a frog, but no one will let me! Friday attended the seminar, where we ate breakfast from 9 to 10, had classes from 10 to 12, ate lunch from 12-1, had classes from 1 to 3 (except our classes were 1:15 to 3:00 since Yo misread the schedule). Got out at 3 and they had a big old ice cream cart, soft pretzels with cheese, candy bars, etc. Basically, all we did was eat that day!!! Since it is early, Cindy, Yo, and I decided to go to a little mall by the hotel, where, you guessed it, there is a Target. Cindy needs a nunchuk! That night Yo and I went to the bar and then to the casino and Cindy stayed in the room and rented Sex in the City. Cindy insisted that we leave at six Saturday morning as she had commitments for that day back home. We were home by 9:30, and I was pretty pooped out, but can hardly wait until next year!

This weekend we picked Zach up on Saturday and took him to Pied Piper Pizza, and then he spent the night. He is so fun to have....he has so much energy and so much curiosity.  JR and I laugh at his antics all the time. JR taught him how to make scrambled eggs from start to finish....he did really good, only burned himself once. I miss him when he leaves!

Today (Monday) is a holiday. Just got odds and ends done. Back to work tomorrow. Primary election in Mohave County and we are on pins and needles waiting to see what some of the outcomes will be.  Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Until later,

Ciao Baby!

LAWRENCE WELK WEEK

Well, we're back. We had a nice vacation at Lawrence Welk with Donna and her family. The trip didn't start out so great since the air conditioning in the car went out midway through the desert. However, nowadays you can't even think things will be better when you get out of the desert, because it seems the desert never ends!!! The coolest it ever got was 86 degrees when we arrived in Escondido, which actually felt like heaven!!!  Sunday we had family and friends over for a visit. My wife-in-law and her husband got me a most luscious birthday cake......pure chocolate!!! We enjoyed that all week. Monday we went to Valley View Casino for a "free" buffet, which entailed many long waits in lines (yes, that's plural for both).  However, it wasn't all bad because I hit four aces for $200. Other than that, John did a lot of golfing, and I did a lot of hanging around the condo and the pool. Friday, after golf, JR took me to my favorite pizza place for dinner after we hit the bar with Donna for our favorite drink....chocolate paradise! It was fun getting to see the nieces, nephews, kids, etc. Donna and I did manage to get in a day of shopping. We got our AC fixed and it worked great on the way home. Bad news.......JR and I both gained 3 pounds and I believe I can add Donna to that list too!  Now it is back to work for a day and then off to Phoenix for my next adventure with my girlfriend from work!!!  I'm posting a few pics for everyone to enjoy!!!

Friends and family on the patio

My granddaughter, Taylor Margaret Romero - 13 years old

John and I

My niece, Megan, reading all the boys a book

Ryan and Caleb feeding the ducks

Ryan (almost two) and his brother, Noah (3 months old)

Caleb, almost two (born one week after Ryan)

And, last but least, Caleb and Ryan with their favorite uncle!!!

Until later,

Ciao Baby!